from the margins
exploring faith’s foundations from the edge
Book of the Bible
- 1 Chronicles
- 1 Corinthians
- 1 John
- 1 Kings
- 1 Peter
- 1 Samuel
- 1 Thessalonians
- 1 Timothy
- 2 Chronicles
- 2 Corinthians
- 2 John
- 2 Kings
- 2 Peter
- 2 Samuel
- 2 Thessalonians
- 2 Timothy
- 3 John
- Acts
- All
- Amos
- Colossians
- Daniel
- Deuteronomy
- Ecclesiastes
- Ephesians
- Ezekiel
- Ezra
- Galatians
- Genesis
- Habakkuk
- Haggai
- Hebrews
- Hosea
- Isaiah
- James
- Jeremiah
- Joel
- John
- Jonah
- Joshua
- Jude
- Judges
- Lamentations
- Luke
- Malachi
- Mark
- Matthew
- Micah
- Nahum
- Nehemiah
Routines, Rituals, and the Risk of Missing the Point
Jeremiah 7–9 questions whether rituals and sacred spaces can really protect people who aren’t living justly. These chapters challenge the idea that outward symbols can substitute for inner integrity. What happens when we rely on appearances instead of action?
When a Breeze Becomes a Storm: Reading Jeremiah with Earmuffs Off
Jeremiah 4–6 reads more like a thunderstorm than a sermon. The prophet’s words are wild, emotional, and intense—full of winds too strong to purify and cities trembling to their foundations. I explored why this kind of language might matter, especially when people stop listening to warnings delivered gently.
Truth-Telling Is a Tough Gig (Just Ask Jeremiah)
Jeremiah didn’t ask to be a truth-teller—and definitely not a lonely one. These opening chapters show the emotional cost of speaking up when no one wants to listen. His story offers a window into what it means to stay honest, even when it’s thankless.
Doom, Gloom, and a Glimmer: Reading Zephaniah Without Flinching
Zephaniah may be short, but it packs in an emotional arc that moves from catastrophe to comfort. This blog explores the prophetic pattern of judgment followed by restoration—and what that might reveal about how people have made sense of crisis for centuries. No preaching, just honest questions and curious observations.
Josiah's Reform: A Royal Cleanup That Couldn't Stop the Collapse
King Josiah launched a dramatic campaign of national reform after uncovering a long-lost scroll—but the change didn’t stick. His story raises tough questions about the limits of leadership and the fragility of top-down reform. Can one person’s conviction shift the course of a nation?
When Prophecy Reads Like Poetry: Nahum's Literary Whirlwind
Nahum might only be three chapters long, but its poetic style packs a punch. With whirlwinds, lion dens, and clashing swords, the book reads more like a dramatic performance than a historical account. This post explores how the artistry of Nahum’s language adds depth—and maybe even urgency—to its ancient message.
From Hezekiah to Mayhem: What Happened to Manasseh?
What happens when a good king raises a son who turns everything upside down? In 2 Chronicles 32–33, Manasseh’s descent into chaos raises questions about parenting, power, and personal choice. This post explores how someone could rebel so drastically—and what it means when they change.
When the Sacred Gets a Makeover: Manasseh's Temple Redesign
What happens when a sacred space gets repurposed for something entirely different? In 2 Kings 21, Manasseh installs pagan altars in the Jerusalem temple, quietly transforming a place once dedicated to a singular purpose. This blog reflects on how spaces—both ancient and modern—can shift meaning over time, often without us noticing.
Going Through the Motions? Isaiah Has Thoughts
Isaiah 66 questions whether ritual without sincerity has any real meaning. The text challenges the value of outward displays of devotion when humility and integrity are missing. It’s a sharp look at performative practices—ancient and modern—and how easily we might miss the point.
Dressed to the Nines (in Righteousness)
Isaiah 61 compares righteousness to clothing—and not just any clothing, but wedding garments. It’s a vivid metaphor that raises questions about identity, recognition, and how we “wear” our values. From celebratory robes to stained battle clothes, this section of Isaiah explores what it means to be dressed for more than just the occasion.
Free Refills for the Soul: Isaiah 55 and the Hunger We Can't Quite Name
Isaiah 55 asks a surprisingly modern question: why do we keep chasing things that don’t satisfy us? From free wine and milk to the quiet nourishment of listening, the chapter challenges assumptions about value and fulfillment. This post reflects on what it means to feed our lives with intention—and what we might be missing when we don’t slow down.
From Obscurity to Global Impact: A Quiet Kind of Power
Isaiah 49–53 explores the tension between purpose and obscurity. The servant figure expresses deep doubt about his efforts—only to be told his mission is far bigger than expected. This post reflects on how impact can unfold quietly, even when it feels like nothing is happening.
Memory Lane, Psalm-Style
Why does Psalm 135 spend so much time retelling ancient stories? In a moment of national uncertainty, the psalmist reaches back—not to discover something new, but to remember what’s already been said. This post explores how repetition shapes identity, especially when the present feels fragile.
Who Do You Think You Are? (No, Really)
What does it mean to be “chosen” when everything familiar has fallen apart? In Isaiah 44, identity isn’t just inherited—it’s reclaimed, redefined, and surprisingly resilient. This reflection explores how ancient words can still speak to modern questions of who we are and how we hold onto ourselves in times of change.
Name-Dropped by the Divine? Let's Talk Isaiah 43
What does it mean to be called by name—and why does it matter? Isaiah 43 offers unexpectedly personal language about identity, presence, and being known. This reflection explores those themes from a secular perspective, asking how we define connection in a world that often feels anonymous.
Be Careful What You Pray For: Hezekiah’s Second Chance Gets Complicated
Hezekiah's story in Isaiah 38–39 begins with a dramatic recovery and ends with an unsettling decision. Granted fifteen more years of life, he uses that time in ways that spark questions about legacy, pride, and unintended consequences. It’s a reminder that surviving the crisis is only part of the story—what we do afterward can matter just as much.
Crocuses in the Chaos: When Deserts Break the Rules
Isaiah 35 paints a wildly unlikely picture: flowers blooming in the desert. It’s a scene that challenges assumptions about where growth is even possible. This post explores what that might mean—not just for ancient readers, but for anyone who's lived through dry seasons of their own.
Wake-Up Call in a Bathrobe: Isaiah’s Message to the Comfortable
Isaiah 32 takes a surprising turn, shifting from a hopeful vision to a warning for those living in ease. What does it mean to be comfortable while the world shifts around you? This post explores ancient complacency and its modern echoes—with a touch of wit.